New Police Chief To Take Over In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Red Bank will have a new chief of police as of Oct. 11 when Capt. Mike Frazee is sworn in at Borough Hall, Red Bank Borough Manager James Gant said.

Darren McConnell, who had been the chief, is no longer with the police department after reaching a settlement with the borough, Gant said.

Gant did not release the terms of the settlement, which came following a state investigation into allegations that McConnell had made decisions in his role as Chief that benefited a woman he dated, who had been McConnell's subordinate.

Red Bank Green reported that McConnell agreed to resign and forfeit four months of sick/vacation pay to settle misconduct allegations against him.

“We believe the Chief was justly penalized for the charges brought against him,” Gant said in a statement emailed to Patch. “While we acknowledge the severity of the situation, we also recognize that Chief McConnell’s misconduct reflected an unfortunate blemish in an otherwise exemplary career. The Borough expresses its gratitude to Chief McConnell for his years of dedicated service to our residents.”

McConnell was first put on leave from the police department in March during an investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office into complaints of mismanagement.

The investigation originated from complaints filed by the Red Bank Local PBA, which held a vote of no confidence in McConnell in July 2023.

The investigation by the state Office of Public Integrity and Accountability focused on two allegations against McConnell.

The first alleged that McConnell failed to “conduct business according to the highest ethical standards of public service," and the second alleged that McConnell failed to “report his supervisor/subordinate dating relationship with an officer,” who ultimately became his wife.

The state's report on the investigation found McConnell knowingly making decisions that benefited his girlfriend/wife, and continued to do so even after disclosing their relationship in September 2021.

The state Attorney General’s Office ultimately recommended McConnell be fired from his role as Chief.

According to Gant, the Borough has taken “appropriate action” following the direction of the state Attorney General’s Office.

Frazee, who has been running the department during McConnell's leave, will be sworn in as chief during a ceremony at Borough Hall.

“This marks an opportunity to rebuild public trust and share a positive vision for RBPD’s future, and we are excited for the continued service and safety of our community under Chief Frazee’s leadership,” Gant said. “We look forward to a strong and unified future for the Borough and its police department.”

Related:

• Red Bank PBA Announces 'No Confidence' Vote In Police Chief
• Red Bank Police Chief Rebuts 'Relationship' Allegations By PBA
• Red Bank Police Chief Put On Leave Amid State AG Scrutiny
• Red Bank Police Chief Should Be Fired, Attorney General Report Says